Gerlache Strait or de Gerlache Strait or Détroit de la Belgica is a channel/strait separating the Palmer Archipelago from the Antarctic Peninsula. The Belgian Antarctic Expedition, under Lt. Adrien de Gerlache, explored the strait in January and February 1898, naming it for the expedition ship Belgica.[1] The name was later changed to honor the commander himself.
On the expedition in the Gerlache Strait, biologist Emil Racoviță made several discoveries, including a flightless midge fly that was later formally named Belgica antarctica by the Belgian entomologist Jean-Charles Jacobs.[1]
The Gerlache Strait has spiky blue icebergs, and is widely considered a great spot for whale-watching.
- ^ a b Deckker, Patrick De (2018-01-01). "On the long-ignored scientific achievements of the Belgica expedition 1897–1899". Polar Research. 37 (1): 1474695. doi:10.1080/17518369.2018.1474695. hdl:1885/157188.